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The ACC: the boat of the 2017 America's Cup

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The ACC: the boat of the 2017 America's Cup01:46

The benefits of cycling as opposed to regular grinding are "obvious," according to Emirates Team New Zealand design coordinator Dan Bernasconi, but "not without issues and difficulty with functionality."

"Winning the next America's Cup is all about maintaining a stable flight on the entire race course, and that's the reason why this boat contains some of the most innovative and powerful technology ever used in this competition in its systems, electronics, hydraulics and foil designs," he told the team's website.

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill and former Team NZ skipper Dean Barker -- now head of rival syndicate SoftBank Team Japan -- have questioned the potential benefit of the bikes.

Two-time America's Cup champion Spithill said they may cause extra wind resistance, and be difficult to get on and off quickly during maneuvers.

"We looked at it hard, as I know all the teams did, and it's a compromise. Nothing is straightforward," the Australian told Bermuda's Royal Gazette. "I don't think that decision will be the deciding factor."